OPENING SPRING 2008

LAJA SPA
at Casa de Sierra Nevada 

Perhaps the spirit of San Miguel de Allende, in the state of Guanajuato comes from the silver in the dust under your feet; or by sharing the persistent shadows of narrow, winding streets that were known to heroes of the Mexican revolution. This is the region where deep veins of the Laja River gave life to this vibrant community and where silver gave coin and treasure to most of the world for hundreds of years. An enchanting colonial city, San Miguel de Allende is kept vibrant by the bracing whispering winds of Mexico's high plateau, where ghosts are celebrated and the joyful colors of Mexico attract artists from around the planet. Experience San Miguel de Allende's eternally-renewing spirit at Laja Spa.

Casa de Sierra Nevada welcomes this luxurious and ultra pampering addition to our hotel. The spa includes treatment rooms, a private relaxing terrace and spectacular views of San Miguel de Allende. Each treatment room is named after a different plant or flower found locally in San Miguel.

Laja is the name of San Miguel’s river, Rio Laja. It is located in the state of Guanajuato in arid, central Mexico. The Rio Laja is a vital corridor of green essential for migratory and local wildlife and vital for the survival of local communities. It is a tributary of the Rio Lerma, one of Mexico's largest rivers and a major industrial corridor which flows west to Lake Chapala. The Lerma ecoregion is considered globally outstanding by the World Wildlife Fund for its fish populations which are "virtually unsurpassed in North America and rare worldwide."

The Laja rises in the mountains in the north and west of the State of Guanajuato. The main branch of the Laja is 200 miles long, with numerous tributaries along its upper reaches. It fills a manmade lake near San Miguel before flowing south through one of Mexico's largest bread baskets where fruits and vegetables are grown for export to the United States and Canada.

At Laja spa we pay tribute to this abundant river. We use the concept of water as a cleanser, a purifier and an approach to help energy flow throughout the house. This in conjunction with the mountainous area of San Miguel, which sits on a quartz mountain, truly amplifies the healing process.

Décor:
Colonial style with simple sandy colored walls with blue, aqua and cream finishes, iron gates and original features remain throughout the house.

Amenities:

• Three air-conditioned treatment rooms
• Shower room
• Two bathrooms
• Male and female locker rooms
• Relaxation / Waiting Room
• Rooftop terrace and garden
• Spa boutique

Spa Cuisine:
Healthy San Miguel-inspired cuisine is prepared by Chef Gonzalo Cardenas of CSN, that can be enjoyed on the terrace of Casa Laja. Of special note is a special tonic, CaCatus Drink (prickly pear drink with lime that is high in antioxidants.) Grown locally in San Miguel de Allende. This empowering tonic fills guests with essential vitamins and is high in atioxidants.

Hours of Operation:
Spa: 9:00 A.M. – 8:00 P.M.
Extended hours available by special appointment